San Antonio Spurs' Marco Belinelli heads up court during first half action against the 76ers Monday March 24, 2014 at the AT&T Center.

San Antonio Spurs' Marco Belinelli heads up court during first half action against the 76ers Monday March 24, 2014 at the AT&T Center.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

Image 5 of 5

Richards

Richards

Spurs' Ayres, Daye to play in Vegas

1 / 5

Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — The Spurs contingent that will compete in the Las Vegas Summer League includes two players from the roster that concluded its run to the NBA championship less than a month ago.

The team Tuesday announced a 15-man summer league roster that includes veterans Jeff Ayres and Austin Daye, as well as first-round draft pick Kyle Anderson.

Competition in the summer league is to begin Friday at the Thomas and Mack Center.

After playing limited roles in the playoffs, four-year veteran forward Ayres and five-year veteran Daye will work to solidify their roles during the 10 days of summer-league competition.

“It's a big decision for both of them,” said Ime Udoka, the Spurs assistant who will serve as coach of the summer-league team. “Obviously, it was a long season. A lot of times, a veteran player will let ego get in the way of playing in summer league, but if you're looking to improve your game, it's good to get in here, get some practices in and solidify your position.”

Anderson, the UCLA forward the Spurs made the 30th selection of the first round of the draft, will make his debut in silver and black.

“We already know what he does,” Udoka said. “It's just about teaching him our basic system. He's an intriguing player with a big skill set. We'll plug him into several positions, see how he defends against point guards, shooting guards and small forwards and get him acclimated to the Spurs.”

Bryce Cotton, the 6-foot-1 guard from Providence who signed a non-guaranteed, two-year contract Monday, will be a featured summer player.

“He was a big-time scorer in college,” Udoka said. “He's a very fast guard who can also pass the ball. We're definitely going to take a long look at him, and we're interested to see how he plays, see how he does on the next level and how he fits in.”

A member of Gregg Popovich's coaching staff for just two seasons, Udoka, 36, barely had time to exhale after the team's river parade and championship celebration before beginning summer-league preparations.

“It's good experience for me, being a younger coach,” he said. “If you're playing into June, it makes for a short summer, but I'll give up vacation to be in the Finals every year.”